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Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia)
Bleeding heavy enough to soak through pads quickly, pass large clots or disrupt daily life is not something to just put up with. It is common, checkable and treatable.
Causes & risk factors
- Fibroids or polyps in the uterus
- Hormone imbalance, including around menopause
- Thyroid problems
- Bleeding or clotting disorders
- Copper (non-hormonal) IUD
- Rarely, changes in the uterine lining that need checking
Common symptoms
- Soaking a pad or tampon every hour or two
- Passing large blood clots
- Periods lasting more than 7 days
- Tiredness from blood loss (anaemia)
- Pelvic pain or cramps
- Breathlessness if anaemic
Tests & diagnosis
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Iron studies / ferritin
- Thyroid function (TFT)
- Clotting profile (PT/INR)
- Pelvic ultrasound
Treatment & management
- Iron-rich diet and iron supplements if anaemic
- Doctors may use hormone treatments or a hormonal IUD to lighten bleeding
- Non-hormonal medicines can reduce flow during periods
- Treat fibroids or polyps if they are the cause
- Surgery is a last resort for cases that do not respond
When to see a doctor urgently
- Soaking through protection every hour for several hours
- Feeling faint, very breathless or having a racing heart
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Any heavy bleeding after menopause — get seen
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about heavy periods (menorrhagia). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my period is genuinely heavy?
Warning signs include soaking a pad or tampon every hour or two, passing clots larger than a rupee coin, needing double protection, or bleeding beyond seven days.
Can heavy periods make me anaemic?
Yes. Ongoing heavy loss is a common cause of iron-deficiency anaemia, which brings tiredness and breathlessness. A simple blood test checks for it.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.